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Print this article - IIUM Journals - International Islamic University
Revelation and Science Vol. 01, No. 02 (1433H/2011) 1-13 The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factors of Flourishing and Decline Ibrahim A. Shogar* Department of Computational and Theoretical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia Abstract The role played by science and technology for the development of human society is crucial in the modern age. Contemporary Muslim societies, without scientific thinking, have little chance to progress. The quality of live, in the globalized world, is based on the intellectual value of the mind. The Holy Qur`an launched its glorious mission by “Iqra” due to the fact that the quality of thought directly affects the quality of action; and both of them affect the quality of live. At the opening of its golden age around the eighth century, and nearly for a thousand years, the Islamic civilization remained creative in science, technology and arts. The achievements of Muslim scientists surpassed all their contemporaries. The scientific worldview of Islam was the inspiring force of their inquiry and pursuit of knowledge. At that time the Muslim world was ranged from Spain and Morocco, through Damascus, Cairo and Baghdad, to Persia and North India. However, starting around the sixteenth century, the Islamic civilization began to wane; losing ground to other nations. Today, Muslim communities are struggling for development within the global challenges, especially scientific and technological challenges. There are many questions that need to be addressed by modern Muslim intellectuals: (1) What were the main factors behind the flourishing of science and technology in the early history of Islamic civilization? (2) What were the main causes of decadence of the scientific thinking? (3) How could Muslims restore their creative thinking again? The main objective of this work is to shed some light upon these questions. Keywords: Intellectual, scientific, factors, rise, decline Abstrak Peranan yang dimainkan oleh sains dan teknologi dalam perkembangan komuniti manusia amat penting dalam zaman moden. Tanpa pemikiran saintifik, adalah sukar bagi masyarakat Islam kontemporari mencapai kemajuan. Kualiti hidup dalam dunia global adalah berasaskan nilai intelektual minda. Kitab al-Quran *Corresponding author: Ibrahim A. Shogar, Assoc. Professor, Department of Computational and Theoretical Sciences, Faculty of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Phone: (609) 571 2842 (O), Email : shogar@iium.edu.my melancarkan misi agungnya yakni ‘Iqra’ kerana hakikatnya kualiti pemikiran akan mempengaruhi kualiti tindakan dan kedua-dua kualiti tersebut mendatangkan kesan kepada kualiti hidup. Pada zaman keagungan Islam yang bermula sekitar kurun ke-8 dan selama hampir seribu tahun The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A! tamadun Islam mempamerkan kreativiti dari segi sains, teknologi dan kesenian. Kejayaan yang dicapai oleh saintis Islam mengatasi saintis-saintis lain. Pandangan hidup sains dalam Islam telah menjadi daya pendorong kepada sifat ingin tahu dan usaha mengejar ilmu. Pada masa itu, dunia Islam merentasi negara Sepanyol dan Morocco meliputi Damascus, Cairo dan Baghdad hingga ke Persia dan Utara India. Berbanding dengan negara lain, tamadun Islam lebih makmur, produktif dan berbudaya tinggi. Namun begitu, sejak kurun ke-16 tamadun Islam mula merosot dan diatasi oleh negara bangsa lain. Hari ini, komuniti Islam berjuang untuk mengejar kemajuan dalam dunia global yang serba mencabar terutamanya bidang sains dan teknologi. Terdapat banyak persoalan yang perlu dijawab oleh intelektual Muslim moden. Pertamanya ialah apakah faktor-faktor utama yang menggalakkan pembangunan sains dan teknologi pada awal tamadun Islam? Kedua ialah apakah punca-punca utama yang menyebabkan kemerosotan pemikiran saintifik dalam Islam? Ketiga ialah bagaimana orang Muslim dapat mengembalikan pemikiran saintifik seperti dahulu? Objektif utama kertas kajian ini adalah untuk menjawab beberapa persoalan itu. Katakunci : Intelektual, saintifik, faktor, kebangkitan, kemerosotan The genesis of scientific thinking in Islam knowledge of existing phenomena; but most The main feature that characterizes scientific importantly to reformulate the prevailing ideas thinking is the disciplined manner of inquiry and dominating thinking styles. For instance, which is founded firmly on objective methods to when the geocentric model; which assumed earth facilitate and generate new knowledge. Scientific as the centre of the universe, dominated the thinking is an organized mode of inquiry that is scientific mind of the medieval Western world inspired by reflective thoughts and guided by created unnecessary tension between science and eagerness to engage in careful observation of the religion which led to secularization of the natural / human phenomena. The foundation of scientific scientific thinking is constructed on various science, which began with the reassertion of aspects of intellectuality such as inductive & heliocentric model of the universe in the fifteenth deductive reasoning; creative and critical analysis century, made fundamental changes in the ideas of ideas / data. The worldview, the disciplined and direction of Western thought. The remarkable manner of inquiry, and proper modes of reasoning shift in the way of understanding the universe; are the major factors which contribute to which made by Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and formulate the genesis of scientific thinking. Based other astronomers of that time contributed to on these factors, the thinking styles will remain establish a new worldview of scientific thinking flourished and productive throughout the various and created crucial turn in the conceptual and phases of scientific progress. Lack of scientific methodological aspects of exploration of nature. enterprise. However, the modern thinking or decadence of the creative mind, on the For inspiration of scientific thinking, Muslim other hand, is due to ineffectiveness of the above intellectuals of today need to revisit their past, factors. when Muslim scientists and technologist were the The scientific revaluations in the course of main reference in the world. The rise of Islamic history take place not only to develop new civilization to its zenith, within a considerable Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) !!" ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A period of time, was due to the scientific spirit of The holy Qur`an; as a final mode of Divine early Muslim intellectuals who regarded pursuit of scripture; provides the general principles of knowledge and investigation of nature as a scientific thinking and inspires human intellect to religious duty. Unfortunately, early Muslim gain deep insights on the natural phenomena. The scientists were not given due acknowledgement by Qur`an also provides various thinking styles and modern historians of science. Many of their works different modes of reasoning. From the Qur`anic are yet to be studied. Their achievements in point of view, nature is a clear sign of God ‘Ayah’ various scientific disciplines, such as Astronomy, which presents the systematic order of the Creator. Physics, There are numerous verses in the Qur`an which Biology, Medicine, Chemistry and 1 Mathematics are attributed to other scientists . call for scientific thinking and emphasize Their integrated approach of knowledge inquiry is investigation of nature. For example the Qur`an yet to be considered. There are many factors says: [Behold! in the creation of the heavens and behind the scientific thinking in Islam, the most the earth; in the alternation of the night and the considerable of which was the holy Qur`an. day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah The Qur’anic inspiration for knowledge sends down from the skies, and the life which He inquiry gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the Great ideas and creative thinking modes are beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the production of the intellectual power which is earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds inspired which shown between the sky and the earth; all and guided by Divine Wisdom. Therefore, the holy Qur`an initiated the Islamic these are indeed Signs for people of mission by invitation for reconstruction of the (2:164)] thought worldview as follows: [Read by the name of your The Qur`an also motivates human intellect Lord who created (96:1)]. This opening verse of towards creative and critical thinking as follows: the Qur`anic revelation obviously announces that [Are the blind man and who sees are equal? You reading and studying of nature, and the entire don’t think?” (6:50)], [You request others to created world, is a basic method to appreciate the conduct rightly while you forget to practice it Creator. This new Islamic vision on nature, which yourselves and yet you are studding the Scripture? is founded on pure Tawhid ‘unity of God’, Do you not understand? (2:44)], [Do they not look provided the at the Camel how it is made? and at the Sky how it innovative power of thinking and creative insights is raised up? and at the Mountains how they are on exploration of nature. The Tawhidic worldview fixed firm? and at the Earth how it is spread out? also created new enthusiastic spirit on Muslim (88: 17-20)] the community of believers scholarship and motivated scientific research and The holy Qur`an frequently raises such development of society. Thus, the holy Qur`an and thought provocative questions to human intellect Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.S) have been the main not to seek simple answers but for creative and sources of inspiration for scientific thinking in critical thinking. Qur`an encourages people not to Islamic scholarship. follow views of others blindly without valid ! | Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A! evidences. In the Qur`an, Allah invites people to development and flourishing of scientific thinking scrutinize ideas and assumptions that the society in Islam. takes for granted and imposes upon them. The Qur`an liberates man even from his own desires The scientific spirit which act as hindrances to the discovery of the The curiosity created by the Qur`anic revelation truth. It asks people to avoid their prejudices and made the early Muslim intellectuals practice constraints. Man must think about how he came creative thinking in its true sense. This is into being, what is the purpose of his life? why he obviously reflected in their original works and will die and what is after death? He must question their contributions in translation and preservation how man himself and the whole universe came of the scientific heritage of ancient sciences, such into being and how they continue to exist? By as Greek, Indian, and Persian. With great insights thinking, man should eventually perceive that the and critical methods, they inspected works of entire universe, including his own self, is created ancient nations and introduced it to the new by Allah Almighty. Even when he examines his generations. In fact, works of Muslim intellectuals own body or any other creature, he will see an progressed through spirit of creative insights, impressive harmonious plan, wisdom, and great meticulous rechecking of facts, figures and data. design at work. Therefore, freedom of intellect in Their practices contributed to both new data with the the original quality, as well as saving the scientific framework of faith (Iman), to follow its course heritage, which was scattered within various into the entire scientific endeavour. languages of ancient nations. Their works have Islamic worldview exists within Motivated by the Qur`anic revelation and resulted into an account of two creative processes: guided by Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.S), the invention of advanced technologies and providing Muslim intellectuals of early history of Islamic insights to creative and analytical minds. civilization engaged themselves in various Both processes have contributed to introduce scientific disciplines of higher learning. By the the minds that were behind it. To determine the turn of the eighth century, the foundation of direction of Makkah for prayer, for instance; Islamic sciences was already established and Muslim scholars were involved in profound numerous scholars excelled in different branches investigation and developed new technologies. of scientific knowledge. Contemporary Muslim They contributed to the discovery of numerous scholars are generally agree that the rise and the astronomical instruments and devices, such as flourishing of science in early history of Islamic Astrolabe, Sundials, Geographical tables, and civilization was mainly due to Qur`anic emphasis World-maps. As noted by Iqbal, the physical on knowledge inquiry. The Qur`an and the cosmos studied by Muslim scientists was a traditions of the Prophet are saturated with cosmos borne out of a unique world view that was references to learning, education, observation, and steeped in a transcendent vision of reality in which 2 the use of intellect . Beside the positive attitude of all constituting parts were connected to each other the Qur`an and Sunnah toward Knowledge and to the Ultimate Reality through the unifying inquiry, there are many other factors behind principle of Tawhid3. Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) !!" ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A Revolution”. John L. Perkins emphasizes this The assimilation capacity of Islam point by saying that “The works of the ancient The history of Islamic science is history of Greeks were lost in Europe; meanwhile the scientific cosmopolitanism in which the positive teachings and creative contributions of all nations, ethnics, preserved in the East and were continued, and cultures were welcomed and appreciated; then enhanced and developed by Muslim philosophers. critically examined and integrated into the The philosophy of the ancient Greeks was framework of Islamic worldview. Phillip Hitti in rediscovered via the Muslim world”6. Muslims not his “History of the Arabs” noted that “The Islamic only preserved classical works but also introduced ability to reconcile monotheism and science new proofs to be a first time in human thought that European Renaissance would not be possible. theology, philosophy, and science were finally Even though many of the Islamic contributions go harmonized in a unified whole. Thus, their unacknowledged, they played a vital role in the contribution was one of the first magnitudes, transformation of ancient sciences to modern considering technology. its effect upon scientific and of scientific the Greek theories, philosophers without were which the philosophic thought and upon the theology of later The Islamic worldview constitutes a grand times. One of the reasons for such development of unity of mankind in the field of scientific quest. science is probably due to Gods commandment to Thus, the proper understanding of Islamic explore the laws of nature”4. Actually, knowledge worldview, with its great assimilation capacity and in Islam is part of faith; when you know more, integration, will result into scientific progress and you'll see more evidences of God. Thus, when development. foreign currents were introduced into the Islamic scientific tradition, they were assimilated through The common ground of Islamic scholarship the However, Historians of science have noted various platforms whatsoever could not become Islamic remained and common grounds that led Islamic scholarship outside the domain of Islamic epistemology as a to success. Beside unity of their worldview, foreign entity5. epistemology, and their source of knowledge, process of transformation. The successful progress of scientific thinking Muslim scientists share other significant elements in Islam was, therefore, due to this assimilation of knowledge inquiry, such as unity of scientific capacity which terms which offered by unity of language transcends nations, races and cultural diversities. (Arabic); and unity of moral code which This is the main source that led Muslim scientists constitutes their research ethics provided by to their comprehensive involvement in studying, Islamic Shariah. Muslim scientists and scholars of translating and preserving the scientific legacy of today might not be aware of the crucial role that classical nations, especially, Greek, Indian and these factors play in scientific progress, but it was Persian. This knowledge transferred later to other obviously noted by some historians of science. nations, especially Europe, and became the vital They especially pointed out the following aspects raw of common grounds in Islamic scholarship: of material the for Islamic the worldview, modern “Scientific ! | Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A! 1. Unity of scientific terms: Using a single to its provision of a common moral code scientific language which was Arabic, which provided a great advance over allowed communication among Muslim tribal intellectuals, who were from different relations, trade and trust between traders7. culture, assisting commercial culture and ethnicities; without need for translators and led to the unity of Due to all these factors, and based on the scientific terms in the scientific enterprise. inspiration from Qur`an and Sunnah, Muslim 2. The Common Worldview: The Islamic intellectuals developed moral code of scientific worldview equipped Islamic scholarship research and sense of respect to authority of with unity of philosophy of science; the knowledge disciplines, and tolerance to other epistemological framework, and unity of views. Based on knowledge aspect, Muslim the final objectives. These aspects have intellectuals became references to the world. For provided a firm base of knowledge more than five centuries, the Islamic civilization inquiry on which they build upon. Due to remained the basic source of science, technology emphasis of Islamic worldview in pursuit and prosperity. of knowledge, the Muslim scholars gained access to the scientific legacy of other civilizations, such as Greek and Roman texts from the Byzantine along with Indian sources of learning. 3. The Hajj: the annual pilgrimage to Makkah is considered as an annual conference which facilitated scholarly collaboration by bringing together scholars and new ideas from all over the Islamic world. In fact, the holy Qur`an emphasized on various benefits of this annual event other than the religious objectives. 4. Common moral code: Research ethics is a crucial factor of scientific progress. On the other hand, the rapid progress and development in sciences and technologies produces new ethical questions. Therefore, ethics and science in Islam work together for human progress. According to John Perkins, success of scientific thinking in Islam was also due Decadence of scientific thinking The most crucial step towards revival and reconstruction of scientific thinking in Islam is awareness about major causes of its decline. By the 10th century, the enthusiasm for learning in Islam resulted enormous works. All essential works and scientific writings of other nations, especially Greek and Persians, were translated into Arabic by the knowledge centres of Islamic civilization. Arabic became the main language for scientific learning and international relations. During this period, Muslim scientists contributed vastly in development of arts, science and cultural growth of mankind. However, starting around the sixteenth century the Islamic scientific enterprise began to wane, losing ground to other nations. The Islamic civilization; which had been a major source of knowledge and morality; and given birth to a great nation that brought peace, prosperity and development to the humankind; has lost the leadership of the world and many modern Muslim communities seem to have lost their creative thinking; What happened? Nobody knows for Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) !!" ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A certain, but decadence of Islamic civilization was follows: certainly a great lost for many aspects of scientific tradition. Lack of tendency for scientific quest Enormous efforts have been made in the Crises of scientific mind in the Muslim world, modern history of science to address the above according to many scholars, are deeply rooted into question; and various suggestions have been made the Muslim sociology of religion9. One of the major for recovery and revival. Some historians attribute factors behind decay of hard science in Islamic 8 the decline to external factors , such as Mongol civilization, according to this view, was due to the devastations, the Crusades, and other warfare attitude of Muslim societies towards the scientific which subsequently led to the fall of Islamic quest and cultivation of knowledge. This attitude civilization. However, the majority of scholars was constituted by deterministic outlook which believe that external causes do not provide the full characterized explanation to the situation. They feel that the community. Free thinking and freedom of research internal problems of Islamic empire, such as are political conspiracies, conflict over power and development of human community. However, due civil wars amongst Muslims themselves and to controversial views among various groups of aliening with others against their fellow citizens, Islamic sectarians, freedom of thought and efficient were the most relevant factors behind the exercise of reason were controlled, and the door of deterioration and decay of Islamic civilization and Ijtihad was closed. Therefore, the deterministic its creative mind. outlook became the main character of Islamic The eternal causes, however, can be essential the main for stream scientific of Muslim progress and intellect. Many works have been written by modern categorized into two groups: direct and indirect Muslim intellectuals, with titles such as causes. Direct causes are those related to the “Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam”, epistemological parameters and principles of “Stagnation of Muslim Mind” and “Reconstruction inquiry, such as negligence of Qur`anic directives of Muslim Mind”, to address this basic problem. on creative thinking and investigation of nature, The major implications of restriction of the freedom dual system of Islamic education, and irrelevant were blind imitation, stagnation of mind and lack of classification of knowledge into religious and non- tendency for scientific quest. religious sciences. Indirect factors, on the other hand, are many; the most relevant are those related Habituation of easy gain and luxurious life to socio-cultural forces, such as habituation of (Taraf) easy gain and luxurious life or “Taraf” according According Ibn Khaldun’s theory of Taraf, which to Ibn Khaldun’s term. And others are related to means to enjoy luxurious life without real the religious traditions such as static vision on productivity, Muslim communities, after their creativity and deterministic outlook. early progress and triumphant success, they took These are the major factors which are to the enjoyment of the riches and luxuries considered by the modern scholars as causes of brought about by their forefathers. This habit of an decline. We may highlight some of them as easy gain and luxurious life became a culture and ! | Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A! made them averse to any intellectual or physical cannot be attached to Islam but to the practices of efforts to gain knowledge. According to Ibn certain communities. However, such attitude is not Khaldun, possible today within the prevailing culture of all scientific endeavour requires prolonged research concentration and hard work, without any prospect of immediate globalization. gain. Therefore, the scientific inquiry could not survive Irrelevant classification of sciences in a society which dominated by such spirit of The relevant classification of sciences is that 10 easy gain or Taraf . which causes scientific progress and appreciation of the wisdom of God. Based on this standard, Static view on creativity some classifications of knowledge in Islamic All modern scholars and scientists agree that history of science are considered irrelevant, such creative thinking is the foundation of knowledge as division of knowledge into religious (Ukhrawi) and scientific progress. However, according to and non-religious (Dunyawi). This kind of many historians of science, Islamic theology was classification totally detaches this world from the used to hold more conservative positions towards hereafter. Thus, it not only contradicts with the any initiative ideas through the course of time. Qur`anic verses which consider the study of nature Professor Abdus Salam holds the view that the as religious duty, and see the entire world as sign demise Islamic of God (Ayah), but also has grave consequences civilization was mainly due to isolation of on Muslim mind. Some scholars explain that the scientific of growth of natural sciences was constrained innovation or Taqlid11. According to this view the because they were simply classified under Islamic theology was getting more static and philosophy seems to be against modernity, with severe perspective as non-religious sciences13. That is, orthodoxy towards any initiative and dissent in the why the natural sciences always remained foreign society. For example, printing presses were and outside the circle of acquired knowledge. forbidden so that dangerous material could not be Meanwhile, the Qur`an insists that study of natural published in Muslim territory12. phenomena is the main path to the knowledge of of living enterprise sciences and in the discouragement It is a fact that the creative mind of Islam is still and evaluated from theological God. As a consequence of this attitude, natural need revivalism and reactivation. It is also true that sciences, philosophy, and other relevant the attitude of isolation described above might be disciplines could not be taught in Islamic learning one of the causes of decline. However, all these institutions for several centuries. features should not attributed to Islam but to some theologians; due to the fact that the holy Qur`an Lack of financial support frequently for In the golden era of Islamic civilization, scientists knowledge and to communicate with other cultures. were financially sponsored mainly by rulers of the Also, the Prophet (S.A.S) urged Muslims to travel Islamic empire and also the by the public sector as far as they can, even to China, for the sake of through Waqaf system. That was clearly illustrated knowledge. Therefore, the culture of isolation by the establishment of institutions of advanced requests Muslims to travel Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) !!" ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A learning, such as baitul Hikmah (House of The reformation and revivalism discourse in Wisdom), al-Nazzamiyyah Schools of Baghdad, Islamic civilization is original and deeply rooted and other institutions and centers of higher in Islamic tradition. It is reported that the Prophet learning. Such financial support faded away with had said: “Allah rises up at the opening of every the course of time. Those at the helm of affairs century, someone who revives the religious became more interested in music and building of matter”; therefore, the reformation process in palaces; no funds were allocated for scientific Islamic history have been considered as a religious pursuits. Contrary to this was the case with other duty in the Muslim community. The famous nations, Scholar especially in Europe where the of Islam, Imam al-Suyuti made governments and rulers started to provide any considerable efforts to identify reformers of every possible help to support science and scientific century up to his time in his book “Itqan fi Ulum programmes and to encourage scientists to work al hard14. Historians of science have reported that, a reactivation of scientific thinking among the remarkable decline in the value of science and Muslim intellectuals has been a continuous scientists occurred in the last few centuries of the process since “Revival of Religious Sciences” of Islamic empire. Even today, the situation is not Imam al-Ghazali, and through “Reconstruction of much better. The financial factors have forced Religious Thought” of Mohammad Iqbal, up to Muslim intellectuals to migrate outside the Islamic modern reformation efforts of Muslim thinkers. Qur`an”. This evidently suggests that land. A negative picture of scientific situation in "#$%&%'(! )*%! '%+#',-).#/! -/0! '%&.&-1! the modern Muslim world was drawn by Michael 2'#3%44!./!541-,!*-4!)-6%/!-!3'73.-1!)7'/!$*%/!)*%! Woods as follows: "The region is, for the most 8741.,! part, a scientific desert. In some states, oil wealth )%3*/#1#9.%4! -/0! 43.%/).+.3! -0&-/3%,%/)4! #+! )*%! has allowed the construction of fabulous cities, $%4)%'/! $#'10! -)! )*%! #2%/./9! #+! )*%! )$%/).%)*! magnificent mosques and sumptuous shopping 3%/)7':;! malls. But little scientific infrastructure has )%3*/#1#9.3-1!2'#9'%44!-3*.%&%0!>:!)*%!?%4)!$-4! emerged. Collectively, the Arab nations spend )*%! 3#11-24%! #+! )*%! 1-4)! 541-,.3! 3-1.2*-)%! -/0! only 0.15 percent of their gross domestic product #3372-).#/! #+! )*%! %/).'%! 8741.,! 1-/0;! <*.4! on research and development, below the world 4.)7-).#/! 3'%-)%0! )$#! 2'#>1%,-).3! @7%4).#/4! ./! average of 1.4 percent. Muslims account for 20 )*%! 8741.,! ,./0;! <*%! +.'4)! $-4! '%1-)%0! )#! )*%! percent of the world's population, but less than 3-74%4!#+!0%31./%A!$*.1%!)*%!#)*%'!$-4!-00'%44./9! one percent of its scientists"15. )*%! 2#44.>1%! ,%-/4! )#! '%4)#'%! )*%! 3'%-).&%! $#'10! <*%! 3-,%! ,-=#'! ./)#! 3#/)-3)! .,21.3-).#/! #+! $.)*! )*%! This gloomy picture of science might not be )*./6./9! ./! 541-,;! <*%! 0%%2! 3#/3%'/4! #+! )*%! the correct representation of the current situation 8741.,! ./)%11%3)7-14! ->#7)! )*%4%! )$#! @7%4).#/4! of scientific progress in the Muslim world; but $%'%! %B2'%44%0! 2%'+%3)1:! ./! -! 1%))%'! 4%/)! >:! sometime it might be necessary to see our faces in C*-.6*! 87*-,,-0! D.4:7#/:! E,'-/! +'#,! F-&-(! the mirror of others. 5/0#/%4.-(! )#! G-4*.0! G.0-(! )*%! 3*.&%! %0.)#'! #+! =#7'/-1! H!"#$!%!&I! ./! JKLM;! C*-.6*! E,'-/! $-4! Restoring creative thinking of Islam ! | Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) ! @7#)./9! +'#,! )*%! N7'O-/! $*%/! *%! '-.4%0! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A! "#$%&'()%! *+(#&! &,$! -#%.'/! %'&#*&'()! *&! &,*&! Muslim is insufficient reason to ensure prosperity &'/$0!1,$!2#34*)!%*5%6!7!"#$"%&%'($)&*$+"#$,-%(.$ and material progress. Shakib considered that the )(#$ /#-%&,$ +%$ 0%*1$ 234$ 56%4+-#$ )&*$ +"#$ 7#-3#8#(4! external factors might be the minor causes of 89:6;<=! 1,$! 2#34*)! *.%(! %*5%6! 79%'$ )(#$ +"#$ /#4+$ backwardness; but Muslims should put the blame &)+3%&$()34#*$):%&,$&)+3%&4!8:6>>?<=0! on their own selves for the catastrophe that had befallen them17. Shaikh Bisyuony laments, about these verses, as following: “Where is the honour of the believers Arslan’s answers were specifically designed to today, while all Muslim countries have become a face challenges of Muslim community about subject of colonization and a Muslim is degraded seventy years ago, at the first half of the twentieth and possesses nothing that entitles him the honour century; but they still seem to be relevant today. and glory promised by Allah!? What are the causes which have led to the weakness and decline Conclusion of all Muslims in both religious and worldly Revival of Islamic science is receiving more affairs?” Bisyouny had also reflected upon the attention in the mean time, both in its historical material prosperity attained by other nations, he and contemporary aspects. This is because of asks: “What are the causes of the tremendous growing consciousness in Muslim societies of progress of the Europeans, Americans and their traditional heritage and distinct cultural Japanese? Is it possible for Muslims to be like identity. The modern Muslim intellectuals have them in terms of material progress if they follow played a major role in the revival of Islamic spirit, them in acquiring its means, while they are as evidenced by the debate on the nature and preserving their religion Islam?” 16 characteristics of contemporary Islamic science18. Muslim scholars agree that the holy Qur`an was To face the challenges posted by these the dynamic force behind the development of questions, the Muslim intellectuals at that time sciences had to work simultaneously in two dimensions: civilization. The Qur`an depicted the relationship first, to preserve the distinct cultural identity of the of God, nature and man as central worldview Muslim community; and second to work for which reformation and material progress. However, the phenomena. answer to the above questions was provided by motivated by the revealed knowledge studied Amir Shakib Arsalan (1869-1946) in his famous nature in the context of the Qur`anic worldview. work entitled “Our decline: its Causes and Guided by the divine sources they were able to Remedies”. Shakib stresses that backwardness of make great achievements in science, technology Muslims was mainly due to ignorance, not and civilization. Today, Muslim communities are because of Islam in any way. He believed that facing many challenges in science, technology and while Islam guarantees good life for mankind, the development However, according to Toynbee’s religion itself is not enough reason for progress theory of “Challenge and Respond”; this is a great without conscious efforts towards understanding chance for Islamic civilization to reclaim its glory of the material world. According to him, being and prove itself again as a global civilization. To in the inspired The early for history study early of of the Muslim Islamic natural scientists Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) !!"# ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A regain their status, the contemporary Muslim nature of Heaven and Hell, free will and intellectuals need to go beyond the mere admiring predestination19. of their historical glory; or writing the profiles of celebrated Muslim scientists of the past. They Removal of the socio-cultural barriers of need to look at Islamic science in history from scientific thinking three crucial dimensions: (1) worldview, (2) epistemology; and (3) methodology. According to Gary Davis, the cultural barriers are amount to social influence, expectations, and For a creative recovery that would benefit from conformity pressures which are based on social both the historical glory of the Islamic civilization and institutional norms. They include conforming and advancements of the modern sciences and to the ways we think others expect us to behave technologies; the Muslim intellectuals need to and fear of being different. The result of this fear study the following factors: is loss of individuality and creativity20. This attitude, according to Jamal Badi, will lead to Articulation of Islamic View on Nature formation of “Risk Fearing Culture” which blocks any initiative on creative thinking. He notes that in Flourishing of sciences requires autonomy of many Muslim cultures, mistakes, no matter what mind, freedom to inquire, and inspiring force. The type, are looked upon as impermissible and recovery of scientific thinking communities will not be articulation of the Islamic in Muslim therefore effective without committed in public. This phenomenon became a worldview; unacceptable; especially if it is i.e. promoted culture in families, schools, and even relationship of God and the created world, which institutions. Therefore, it became a hindrance to provides the proper answers to the cosmic creativity and creative thinking21. questions. This process would produce deep understanding of the Islamic worldview on nature The above analysis shows that the key to the as provided by the holy Qur`an; and reactivate the solution is always in our own hands. To address concept of khilafah which is necessary to the issue of reconstruction of our mind, Muslims understand role of man on the earth. should be inspired by the Qur`anic revelation and guided by Islamic tradition of science to set up the Understanding the Structure of Islamic Epistemology and Method The study and understanding of foundation structure of Islamic epistemology comparatively with modern philosophy of science is a necessary step towards reactivation of the creative mind. To develop parameters of Islamic epistemology, Muslim intellectuals must avoid involvement in the classical issues of theological debates, such the !! | Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) ! necessary epistemological parameters that will lead to the reconstruction of scientific thinking in Islam. REFERENCES Ahmad, Mehboob, (2003) Rise and Fall of Scientific Activities in the Islamic World. Journal of “Hamdard Islamicus”. Vol. XXVI, No 3. The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A! Al-Hassan, Ahmad Y. (1995), Factors behind the Decline of Islamic Science after the sixteenth Century. Proceedings of conference “Islam and the Challenge of modernity–Auguset 1-5, 1994” Compiled by Sharifah Shifa Al-Attas. Badi, Jamal & Mustapha Tajdin, (2005) Creative Thinking: an Islamic Perspective, Research Centre (International Islamic University-Malatsia). Baker, Osman (1999), The History and Philosophy of Islamic Science. Islamic Texts Society (Cambridge-Uk). Hitti, K.Phillip (1970), History of the Arabs. New York: St. Martins Press. Khan, Muinud Din Ahmad (1997), Original and Developmental of Experimental Science. Bangldesh Institute of Islamic Thuoght (Dhaka). Perkins, John L. (2003), Prosperity and the rise and fall of Islam; http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~aziz/what_went_wr ong/resources.html#3 Sardar, Ziauddin (1989), Explorations in Islamic Science. Mansell, London & New York. Sarton, George (1945) Introduction to the history of Science. Williams & Wilkins (Baltimore-UK). Saud, Muhammad (1986), Islam and Evolution of Science. Islamic Research Institute (Islamabad-Pakistan). Article history Received: 21/11/2011 Published: 15/12/2011 ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ces.html#3 1 7 Ziauddin Sardar (1989), Explorations in Islamic Perkins, John L. (2003), Prosperity and the rise and Science, Mansell Publishing- London. P. 11 fall of Islam; Ibid 2 8 Ziauddin Sardar (1989), Explorations in Islamic Science, Mansell Publishing- London. P.11 3 Iqbal, Muzaffar in his Book review of “David A. King (1999), World-Maps for Finding the Direction and Distance to Mecca: Innovation and Tradition in Islamic Science” at: http://www.highbeam.com/library/docfree.asp?DOCID =1G1:119627458&num=3&ctrlInfo=Round19%3AMo de19a%3ADocG%3AResult&ao= 4 Hitti, K.Phillip (1970), History of the Arabs. New York: St. Martins Press, P. 580. Also see Aminuddin Ahmad, in his “Islamic Contributions to Science”. 5 Muzaffar Iqbal. Science in Islamic Civilization: http://www.cis-ca.org/confs/KL-Conf/kl-key~1.pdf (PP.9-10) 6 Perkins, John L. (2003), Prosperity and the Rise and Fall of Islam; http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~aziz/what_went_wrong/resour See, for example, Al-Hassan, Ahmad Y. al-Hassan in his “Factors behind the Decline of Islamic Science after the sixteenth Century” 9 Masud, M. Khalid, Reasons for the Decline of Scientific Activity and Creativity in the Muslim World. International Conference on Science in Islamic Polity in 21st Century, (Islamabad- Pakistan 1995). 10 See the full idea about theory of “Taraf) Ibn Khaldun in his “al-Muqadimah” 11 Abdus Salam, Islam and Science. A reproduced version from Review of Religions March 1995. 12 Kenndy Paul (1987), The Rise and fall of Great Power: Economic Change and Military Conflict 15002000. (Random House) 13 Mehboob Ahmad, in his “Rise and Fall of Scientific Activities in the Islamic World”, P.58. 14 Mehboob Ahmad, Ibid. P. 59. Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) !!"# ! The Scientific Thinking in Islam: Factor of Flourishing and Decline / Shogar I.A !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 15 Michael Woods, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 16 These questions were sent as letter by Muhammad Bisyuony Umran, form West Borneo, Indonesia, to Rashid Rida, the chive editor of “al-Manar” on 21st Rabi al-Akhir 1348 H. The questions also found in the answer of Amir Shakib Arslan, the book entitled “Our Decline: Its Causes and Remedies”; the translated English version was published in 2004 by Islamic Book Trust K.L. 17 Shakib Arslan (2004), Our Decline: Its Causes and Remedies (translated version). Islamic Book Trust – Kuala Lumpur, Pxii-xiii. 18 Sardar, Ziauddin (1989), Explorations in Islamic Science, Mansell Publishing- London. O. 9 19 Muzaffar Iqbal. Science in Islamic Civilization: http://www.cis-ca.org/confs/KL-Conf/kl-key~1.pdf (PP.9-10) 20 Gary Davis (1999), Barriers to Creativity and Creative Attitude, Encyclopedia of Creativity, (Academic Press) vol. 1, p 168. Also, see: Badi, Jamal Ahmed (2005), Teaching Creative Thinking Skill: Challenges, Strategies and Future Implications, (Proceedings of National Conference on Creative /Critical Thinking from Islamic Perspective, organized by Department of General Studies- IIUM, 14- 15 December 2005) P.6 20 Badi, Jamal Ahmed (2005), Teaching Creative Thinking Skill: Challenges, Strategies and Future Implications, (Proceedings of National Conference on Creative /Critical Thinking from Islamic Perspective, organized by Department of General Studies- IIUM, 14- 15 December 2005) P.7 21 Badi, Jamal Ahmed (2005), Teaching Creative Thinking Skill: Challenges, Strategies and Future Implications, (Proceedings of National Conference on Creative /Critical Thinking from Islamic Perspective, organized by Department of General Studies- IIUM, 14- 15 December 2005) P.7 !" | Revelation and Science | Vol. 01, No.02 (1433H/2011) ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!